People's Christmas includes a variety of treats, flowers and decorations that can be dangerous for dogs. However, for dogs, spending time together is the most important thing during the Christmas holidays. We want to remind every dog owner to spend a safe Christmas with their dog. 

Christmas ham and chocolate are not suitable for dogs 

Christmas treats would also be tasty for the dog next to you, but many of people's Christmas foods can be dangerous for dogs. 

Liisa Lilja-Maula, a veterinarian at the Finnish Kennel Club, reminds us that Christmas ham should not be given to dogs because of its saltiness and fat. Ham drippings are also harmful to dogs and, at worst, can cause pancreatitis. 

– Also make sure that the dog does not eat the ham net, as it can cause a life-threatening intestinal obstruction. Ham or poultry bones should also not be given to dogs, as the bones can block the dog's intestines. Sharp bone splinters can even puncture the intestines," says Lilja-Maula. 

Dark chocolates, which are part of Christmas, are also dangerous for dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Especially for a small dog, even a small amount of dark chocolate can cause serious poisoning at worst. So it's a good idea to keep the boxes of chocolates out of reach from the dog. 

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning appear within the first 4 to 24 hours. Symptoms include vomiting, shaking, increased urination, abdominal pain and cramping.

– Make sure that food is not left in places where the dog can reach it. However, if you notice that the dog has eaten things that are forbidden from it or the dog suddenly becomes unwell, contact a veterinarian. It is a good idea to check the contact information and opening hours of the on-call veterinarians in advance before the Christmas holidays, Lilja-Maula points out. 

Foods that are harmful to dogs include: 

  • Ham drippings
  • Sweets
  • Spicy foods
  • Doughs containing yeast or soda
  • Chocolate (especially dark chocolate)
  • Macadamia nut
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Xylitol 
     

Keep candles and Christmas flowers out of your dog's reach

Candles and the Christmas tree should be placed so that the dog cannot accidentally knock them over while they are busy. The spruce can be fenced off with a compost net, for example. Dogs may also be interested in Christmas lights, so it's a good idea to hide electrical cords out of your dog's reach. 

– Many traditional Christmas flowers are toxic to dogs, so pay attention to them as well. Puppies are more mischievous than adult dogs, and their activities should be monitored more closely, reminds veterinarian Lilja-Maula. 

Contact your vet if your dog has access to a poisonous Christmas flower. 

Christmas flowers that are toxic to dogs include: 

  • Poinsettia
  • Hyacinth
  • Amaryllis
  • Christmas rose
  • Azalea
  • Tulip
  • Yew 

Give your dog the gift of spending time together

Dogs enjoy time together with their people and don't need Christmas presents. If you want to give a gift, it doesn't have to be edible or toys. For example, an unhurried walk or a trip to the forest cheers up not only the dog but also the owner. Learning a new trick can also be a nice thing to do together. 

You can also offer the dog something to do, for example, by hiding the dog's favorite treats or by tinkering with an activity game together. You can find treats or chew bones suitable for dogs in pet stores. 

– Leave out tapes, strings and bags from the Christmas gift you get for your dog, Lilja-Maula advises. 

At Christmas, make sure that the dog's own familiar and safe resting place is available in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Christmas. 

The Finnish Kennel Club wishes everyone a merry and safe Christmas! 

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